Moles & Mole Removal

Moles, also formally called nevi or nevus, are common and almost all adults have at least a few. Moles range in color from light pink or even skin toned to dark brown and sometimes even black. Having between 10-50 moles can be normal and mole production usually starts in childhood.

Although small and slow changes to a mole are generally benign, significant change in symmetry, borders, colors and/or diameter need to be reviewed and seen by your dermatologist. Your skin and your moles are partially made up of melanocytes, the potential precursor to a deadly skin cancer, melanoma. If a melanoma is found early, the success rate of removing your melanoma can exceed 97%. If your melanoma is found late, the choices and options are less than optimal.

Protecting yourself from the sun can lower your long-term risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, please check your skin once monthly. If you see a mole that is changing, itching, or bleeding, please immediately call us to make an appointment with your dermatologist.